Company behind Microsoft's Kinect sensor sold to Apple for $345 million

Recent reports have been stating that the company behind Microsoft’s Kinect will be sold to Apple. Apple has finalized its acquisition of PrimeSense, an Israeli fabless semiconductor company, for a total of $345 million.

With the help of PrimeSense, Microsoft was able to use to the technology to make the Kinect so consumers can use it for everyday life. PrimeSense had its technology, chips, and designs shared with Microsoft to make the Kinect.

"PrimeSense has delivered an important component to the technology, helping us deliver revolutionary controller-free entertainment experiences in the living room," said Ilan Spillinger. He's the Vice President of Xbox 360 Hardware.

Now you’re probably wondering if this will affect Kinect or Microsoft in any way, don’t worry, Microsoft is in a safe spot right now.

The upcoming Xbox One with the second generation Kinect included is all engineered by Microsoft, not PrimeSense. Yes, the first generation Kinect did use PrimeSense’s technology, but with the second generation Kinect, Microsoft has decided to use their own engineers to make the revolutionary device instead of working with PrimeSense.

If, and if, Microsoft were to have used PrimeSense’s technology in the Kinect after the Israeli company was bought by Apple, Microsoft would have to pay more for the patents since it’s now owned by Apple.

In the end, it looks like Microsoft was able to make a smart move. They not only have upgraded the abilities that can be done with the Kinect sensors all by themselves, but they also saved themselves a lot of money.

PrimeSense responded to The Verge stating that the company will not be commenting on the rumors. "We are focused on building a prosperous company while bringing 3D sensing and Natural Interaction to the mass market in a variety of markets such as interactive living room and mobile devices. We do not comment on what any of our partners, customers or potential customers are doing and we do not relate to rumors or re-cycled rumors."